2G scam: Rajya Sabha nod for JPC probe

New Delhi: After the government’s assurance of not sparing any wrong doer, the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday approved setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for probing the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

The JPC would examine irregularities and aberrations in the implementation of government decisions and policy prescriptions on telecom licences and spectrum from 1998 to 2009. The Lok Sabha has already given its nod for the JPC.

The Parliamentary panel will also make recommendations to ensure appropriate procedures for allocation and pricing of telecom licences.

The panel would examine policy prescriptions and their interpretation by successive governments, including the decisions of the Union Cabinet and the consequences thereof, in the allocation and pricing of licences and spectrum.

"I do pray that the kind of partisan seen in the House during the debate will not be witnessed in the JPC," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said, winding up the debate on the motion for appointment of the JPC.

In his spat with Sibal, BJP leader S S Ahluwalia said Finance Minister in 2007-08 may also be summoned by the Parliamentary panel.

Sibal said former Telecom Minister A Raja was being prosecuted for the possibility of criminal culpability.